YM backed to bounce back from ‘bizarre’ Lingfield loss

Horsham YMCA manager Peter Buckland is confident his side can bounce back following a 3-1 defeat away to Lingfield, writes Warren Lucy.
YM thrashed Hailsham 9-0 on Saturday. Picture by Clare TurnbullYM thrashed Hailsham 9-0 on Saturday. Picture by Clare Turnbull
YM thrashed Hailsham 9-0 on Saturday. Picture by Clare Turnbull

YM, who smashed nine goals without reply against Hailsham last week, dominated the Tuesday night game against a side who Buckland believes will end the season in the top six.

“I think at the end of the season Lingfield will be up there with the likes of St Francis, East Preston, Pagham and us. Crowborough and Shoreham are my dark horses so that could be the top six come the end of the campaign,” an upbeat Buckland said.

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“To have gone there and played brilliantly, losing 3-1 to a team that had one shot on target, isn’t all negative. We were excellent and after we pulled one back at half time, I would have put my money on us winning the game,” the YM boss reflected.

“One mistake put us 3-1 down which is disappointing, however, we were great. It was a bizarre game!”

YM have a week off before taking on Worthing on September 28, and Buckland is looking forward to having a few key players back: “I don’t make excuses, we had Dave Brown playing with a tight groin against Lingfield, Andrew O’Carroll missed the game with a similar injury and Adam Hutchings was on holiday. They’re three key players and the time off gives them a chance to get fit and go again.

“I expect nothing less than the three points against Worthing; that will put us on 12 points and from there we’ll have St Francis at home which will be a good game, win that and we’ll be on 15 (points).”

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YM are mid-table in Division One having won two, drawn three and lost one of their opening six games so far.

While Buckland has been satisfied with his side’s start he admits there’s still room for improvement.

“In the opening six games, I’d probably have expected three more points,” he said.

“However, we’ve began better than last year, which is an improvement, and that’s a big positive.”